It is still difficult, even today, to reorganize the departments, to recover the visits left behind. These are the collateral damage of Covid-19, which also weighs on patients with prostate cancer in many regions. Where the pandemic has hit the hardest, nearly a third of interventions have skipped. In some cases, as in Basilicata, one out of two interventions. The PRO Foundation has rekindled the spotlight on this data, launching the second phase of its campaign “For cancer there is no lockdown”. Which this time he sees as an exceptional testimonial Carlo Verdone (watch the clip).
“The whole country is struggling to reorganize departments and manage waiting lists”, says Vincenzo Mirone, Professor of Urology at the Federico II University of Naples and president of the PRO Foundation: “The problem does not concern only interventions, but also new diagnoses: in 2020 half were lost due to Covid “. 37,000 new cases are estimated every year in Italy. It is a cancer that mainly affects the over 50s (the average age of diagnosis is 72 years) and in which lifestyles and familiarity play an important role. However, early diagnosis remains fundamental.
Covid effect, 99% of breast and prostate interventions postponed in 2020
by Irma D’Aria
Despite the vaccination campaign, patients do not go to the controls
For the more than 560,000 men who already live with this diagnosis, however, the adherence to therapies and controls count above all. “With vaccinations for Covid-19, we hoped for a greater recovery”, underlines Giuseppe Procopio, Head of Genitourinary Medical Oncology of the IRCCS National Cancer Institute Foundation in Milan: “In this situation, however, the role of long-term therapies is emerging. , quarterly and half-yearly, thanks to slow-release formulations “.
Cancer, 30% of patients can be assisted with local oncology
by Irma D’Aria
In this scenario, telemedicine is also proving to be a great resource: “Our patients are mostly elderly men suffering from often chronic comorbidities, such as diabetes, obesity or hypertension and Telemedicine, with appropriate training of clinicians and patients, it improves adherence to treatments ”, adds Corrado Franzese, National President of the Italian Society of Territorial Urology (SIUT). “The sustainability of the National Health Service also passes through field choices on long-term or deposit therapies, especially valid in the case of advanced prostate cancer and strategic with respect to adherence to treatment”, comments Mirone: “With this approach we will save lives first of all. human and poor prognosis, but also high indirect costs “.
Prostate cancer: one out of two diagnoses lost with Covid
by Irma D’Aria
To help patients and their caregivers to orient themselves in this delicate moment, a small booklet has been written “Prostate cancer and Covid-19, a guide for patients”, Distributed in 10 urological centers of excellence. The campaign, carried out with the unconditional support of Ipsen, will also include commercials on the foundation’s channels and messages on social media.
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